Peri-Implantitis

Implants have an incredibly high success rate and are the most frequently recommended method for restoring individual teeth. However, they do sometimes fail and need to be removed. Given the enormous investment patients put into their implants, it is a shame to see this happen. The best thing patients can do to protect their new tooth is to be on guard against peri-implantitis.

The prefix “peri” means “around” and “itis” means inflammation. If the gum tissue surrounding an implant is inflamed, it could be due to a foreign object, such as leaking dental cement, irritating the tissue. This is unlikely to be the case, however, if the implant is more than a few days old. More commonly, gum inflammation is caused by an infection or by an excessive amount of plaque trapping acid and dissolving the nearby tissues, along with the metal rod of the implant’s base.

Preventing peri-implantitis requires a patient to maintain standard oral hygiene practices, including brushing (twice a day for two minutes each) and flossing. Neither the implant nor the bone it’s fused with are immune to corrosion, so if a patient has trouble maintaining oral hygiene, it is important to request a deep cleaning. Don’t ignore the potential consequences of gum inflammation.

Scott Seier, DDS, operates Advantage Dentistry at 2887, Elmwood Ave, Kenmore, NY, 14217. To set up an appointment, call 716-877-2275, or visit AdvantageDentistry.com and fill out a contact form.

 

Ridge Augmentation

Dental implants are a permanent tooth replacement that is able to last a lifetime; however, the conditions need to be right to place them. For patients that do not have a large enough bone ridge in their jaw, at Advantage Dentistry in Kenmore, NY, we can perform ridge augmentation. This ensures that implants are a possible option for replacement.

To begin the procedure, your doctor will lift the gums away from the bone. Bone graft material will then be placed into the area where the bone has deteriorated. Afterwards, the incision is closed and allowed to heal. The augmentation will take about twelve months to fully heal. During this time, the bone graft material will not only bond with your jawbone, but it will also promote the growth of even more jawbone. The end result is a strong ridge that is big enough to host a dental implant successfully. Depending on your specific case, a dental implant may be able to be placed during the augmentation procedure or after the twelve-month healing period.

Bone grafting is a very safe and successful procedure. The bone is often able to be taken from another area of your jaw.

To learn more about ridge augmentation and bone grafting, be sure to contact us or visit our website, www.advantagedentistry.com. To schedule an appointment with Advantage Dentistry in our Kenmore, NY office, call us at (716) 877-2275.